South Korea-based Penta Security has added an electric vehicle charging security solution, AutoCrypt V2G, to its AutoCrypt suite for connected transportation systems. This is intended to provide safe communication throughout the EV charging infrastructure and charging payment systems.

AutoCrypt V2G uses the open charge point protocol (OCPP) for communication between the electricity supply and backend billing systems, with encryption of data and digital signatures for security. It provides a public key infrastructure (PKI) system for authentification and authorization at all points of communication, and enables the deployment of the GridWiz Plug&Charge payment system, including processing of automated payments. GridWiz will launch Plug&Charge in Europe next year.

SangGyoo Sim, CTO of Penta Security Systems, noted in a statement: “To encourage widespread adoption of EVs, it is essential that the charging infrastructure is both secure and conforms to industry standards. Furthermore, as EV charging not only involves the charging process, but also the exchange of sensitive data, robust security is necessary for protecting data integrity and user privacy.”

Luxoft builds blockchain-based solution

Luxoft, meanwhile, presented a blockchain-based EV charging solution at the recent BMW Group IT Fair in Munich. This is specifically intended for carsharing schemes using EVs – such as BMW’s own DriveNow – and creates a secure, integrated network for large-scale business processes.

The necessary information to confirm rental agreements and monitor vehicle batteries is shared via the combination of blockchain ledgers, to connect the members within the ecosystem and manage identities and business transactions. The mobility provider, vehicle owner and charge points are connected so the service operator knows how much charge is needed for the fleet, and can sanction a charging transaction at a connected facility.

Speaking at the BMW Group IT Fair, Luxoft CTO Vasiliy Suvorov said: “Carmakers are intertwining electric vehicles with carsharing services. However, electric cars are not well-suited to sharing as they need to be constantly charged. This means someone may rent an electric car that is low on battery, as it was left uncharged by the previous driver.

“We’ve created a blockchain-based design that leverages a combination of verifiable credentials, distributed identities and business-ready distributed ledgers to solve this very complex problem for carmakers.”